Key ring



March 29, 1966 w, COBB 3,242,709

KEY RING Filed Feb. 25, 1964 FIG 3 William E. Cobb INVENTOR ATTORN EYS United States Patent C 3,242,709 KEY RING William E. Cobb, P.O. Box 1099, Morganton, N.C. Filed Feb. 25, 1964, Ser. No. 347,277 6 Claims. (Cl. 70-459) This invention relates to key rings and is particularly concerned with key rings of the type that incorporate a so-called split rin loop for holding keys.

There have been various prior suggestions with respect to key ring constructions adapted to releaseably maintain a group of keys in conveniently connected relation. Some of such key rings take the form of a case having hooks therein on which one or more keys can be secured. Other forms of key rings provide for the use of some type of loop member. The form of the loop can vary from unit to unit, but in each instance there is either a cooperating spring closing or latching arrangement, or the loop is formed so as to be separable transversely whereby keys can be slipped thereon by winding the loop through a hole in the key.

The preceding paragraph is not intended to be an exhaustive discussion of all types of prior key rings, but instead is presented to indicate various prior constructions which are exemplary and which are subject to the disadvantages attendant to the prior art in general. With the case type key ring, expense in manufacture is a significant consideration, and moreover, size becomes important if any substantial number of keys are to be carried. With the spring closing and latching type arrangements, the user normally encounters substantial operating difiiculties after only a minimum period of use. Either the latching or spring parts become lost, or they are damaged by use sufiiciently to prevent the desired intended operation. With the transversely separable arrangement, the user faces two problems, namely, he cannot remove the intermediate key of a group easily without removing other keys if the number of keys is substantial, and he cannot quickly remove any given key easily.

There thus remains a need for a simple and efficiently operable key ring which is capable of carrying a substantial number of keys, which is troublefree with continued operation, which can be inexpensively constructed, and which permits a user to quickly and easily remove any given key therefrom if so desired. The present invention has as its primary object the satisfaction of this need.

More specifically, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a key ring which includes a keycarrying loop and operating means so disposed and arranged as to permit the loop to be easily opened if desired, and yet so disposed and arranged as to normally maintain the loop closed. In line with this object, it is an additional significant object hereof to provide a key ring which essentially comprises only four parts, namely, a pair of grip members having loop extensions, a pivot shaft which pivotally couples the grip members, and a spring which reacts between the grip members to normally maintain the loop extensions with their free ends in engagement, but permits the grip members to be pivoted so as to open a loop formed by such extensions.

Aside from the foregoing more general objects, there are certain specific objects hereof including the following: (a) the provision of such a key ring as described above which permits a user to selectively remove any given key thereon without removing any other key thereon; (b) the provision of such a key ring which has the inherent tendency to release a horizontally disposed key, such as a key disposed in an automobile ignition, when the operating mechanism of the key ring is activated with the key ring and remaining keys generally vertically disposed;

3,242,709 Patented Mar. 29, 1966 (c) the provision of such a key ring which permits the user to insert any given key in any given position among a group of keys on the key ring; ((1) the provision of such a key ring which is capable of operation whereby a user can release any given key by one-hand simple manipulation; (e) the provision of such a key ring which can be made from available materials and by existent mass production type techniques; and (f) the provision of such a key ring which is attractive in appearance available for use in various sizes so as to accommodate the needs of widely differing users.

The invention lies in the combination, arrangement and disposition of various parts and means incorporated in the key ring hereof. The invention will be better understood, and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent, when consideration is given to the following detailed description. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings presenting preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a key ring constructed in accordance herewith and showing the same as it would appear when the ring loop is in its closed position;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of a key ring constructed in accordance herewith and showing the same as it would appear when the ring loop is in its open position;

FIGURE 3 is a front view of the key ring shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a front view of the key ring shown in FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of the preferred form of key ring constructed in accordance with the invention.

As shown in the various figures of the drawings, the key ring hereof, as generally designated by the numeral 2 includes a loop 4 and a grip means 6. As possibly best shown in FIGURE 5, the loop 4 comprises first and second arcuate sections 8 and 10. The outer free ends 8a and 10a respectively of the loop sections 8 and 10 are releaseably engageable with one another. Accordingly, when the ends 8a and 10a are in engagement as shown in FIGURE 3, the loop 4 is closed, whereas when the ends 8a and 10a of the respective loop sections 8 and 10 are out of engagement as shown in FIGURE 4, the loop 4 is open.

As should be apparent, when the loop 4 is open, any given key or any number of keys may be inserted within the loop, but when the loop is closed, it serves to maintain the keys together. The described opening and closing action of the loop 4 is achieved by an operating mechanism that cooperates with the loop sections 8 and 10 and includes the grip means 6.

Again referring to FIGURE 5 particularly, it will be noted that the grip means comprises first and second grip members 12 and 14. Each of the grip members 12 and 14 is an open top hollow body, and each body is wedge-shaped. Moreover, each body has a bottom wall 12a and 14a respectively and opposed upstanding side walls 1211- and 14b14c respectively. The bottom wall of each body tapers outwardly from the forward end thereof and accordingly the opposed side walls of each body diverge outwardly from the forward end of each body.

One side wall of each of the bodies 12 and 14, namely, the respective side Walls 12c and has an aperture therein which receives one end of the loop section associated or fixed to that body. The end portion 10b of the arcuate loop section 10 extends through the aperture 16 in the side wall 14b and is fixed to the top wall 14a of the body 14, as by welding (not shown). Similarly, the end portion 8b of the arcuate loop section 8 extends through the aperture 20 in the side wall 120 and is fixed to the bottom wall 12a as by a weld 22. This arrangement of providing an aperture and fixing one end portion of each loop section to one of the bodies 12 or 14, as the case may be, has several advantages. First, it permits a positive securing of the loop section to the associated body with the particular coupling, for example, a weld, hidden from view. Secondly, the support provided by the aperture and the bottom wall offset any undesired movement of the loop sections with respect'to the wedge bodies which may otherwise result from torques being exerted on such sections in use. Thirdly, the securing arrangement is inexpensive, positive, and trouble-free.

Before referring to the manner in which the respective bodies 12 and 14 are coupled together, it should be noted that the wall 12b of the body 12 has a recess 30 therein. This recess is disposed to freely receive the projecting end portion of the loop section which is disposed adjacent the wall 14b of the body 14. The wall 140 has a similar recess to receive the corresponding portion of the loop section 8.

It should be further noted that the body 12 is dimensioned to movably fit within the body 14. In other words, the body 12 and the body 14 are of the same contour, but the body 12 is slightly smaller than the body 14 whereby the body 12 is movable within the body 14.

The bodies 12 and 14, as indicated initially, serve as grip members, and by virtue of the relative sizes, one of the grip members is movable within the other consistent with this terminology.

Means are incorporated for connecting the grip members together, and such means preferably takes the form of a pivot pin 40. A pair of aligned apertures 42, only one of which is shown, are provided in the forward end portion of grip member or body 14, and specifically, in the upstanding walls 14b and 14c thereof. A corresponding pair of aligned apertures 44 are provided in the forward end portion of the grip member or body 12. These respective pairs of aligned apertures receive the pivot pin or shaft 40 therethrough so that the shaft 40 serves as a pivot means connecting the grip members together for pivotal movement therebetween. With the pin 40 in position, and with the loop sections 8 and 10 mounted as shown and as explained more fully below, the grip members are movable between first and second positions.

In the first position the loop sections 8 and 10 are disposed with their respective free ends 8a and 10a in engagement thereby forming a closed loop. In the second position of the grip members, the loop sections are not in engagement and there is an opening between the freely projecting ends thereof.

It is to be noted particularly from FIGURE 3 that the loop extends helically, as shown, from the left side of the lower grip member 12 to the right side of the upper grip member 14. This helical arrangement of the loop extending between opposite sides of the respective grip members facilitates the desired engagement of the projecting free ends 8:: and 10a of the respective loop sections.

To maintain the grip members 12 and 14 in their first position with the loop closed, means in the form of a spring 50 is incorporated. The spring 50 reacts between the respective grip members 12 and 14, or specifically the respective bottom walls 12a and 14a of such grip members, and in spaced relation to the pivot axis provided by the pivot pin 40. If the end of the grip members mounted on or carrying the pivot pin 40 is regarded as the forward end, as it has been above, then the spring reacts between the rear end portions of the respective grip members. The spring 50 can take various forms, but in any event, it serves to bias or normally maintain the grip members in the first position, i.e., it serves to urge the grip member 14 away from the grip member 12 about the pivot axis, or vice versa. If desired, the bottom wall 12a of the grip member 12 can carry an inwardly extending boss or support hub 52 which engages the spring 50 and supports the same in desired position.

With the parts assembled and cooperating in the manner specified above, the spring 50 reacts against the grip members 12 and 14 to cause the same to move respectively counter-clockwise and clockwise about the pivot pin 40. Movement of the grip members past the first position thereof is prevented by the engaging ends 10a and 8a of the respective loop sections 8 and 10. When one wishes to insert a key, he merely squeezes the outer ends of the respective grip members together so as to compress spring 50 and pivot the forward ends of the grip members about the pivot shaft 40 to thereby release engagement between the freely extending ends So and 10a of the loop sections. This opens the loop and permits a user to insert a key or remove a key as the operation requires in that instance.

It is to be noted that the operating mechanism is disposed to extend within and beyond the periphery of the loop thereof thus minimizing space requirements and yet yielding an attractive appearance. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the respective grip members 12 and 14 or the bodies forming the same are essentially closed, or form a closed grip means when the key ring is assembled. To this end, the grip member 14 has a forward wall 14d overlying the forward opened end of the grip member 12 in assembled position. The closed grip means is significant because it prevents undesired particles or the like from entering the operating mechanism of the key ring and fouling the mechanism.

After reading the foregoing detailed description, it will be appreciated that a simple and easily operable key ring which satisfies the objects set forth at the outset of the present specification, has been provided. Still, various modifications can be made to the unit without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordn y,

What is claimed is:

1. A key ring including:

(a) a loop comprising first and second arcuate sections;

(b) grip means comprising first and second grip members;

(c) said first arcuate section being connected to said first grip member and said second arcuate section being connected to said second grip member with one end of each said section projecting freely from the grip member to which it is connected and with said loop extending helically from one side of one of said grip members to the other side of the other of said grip members, said freely projecting ends of said arcuate sections of said loop being releaseably engageable with one another;

(d) means connecting said grip members for relative movement of said grip members from a first posi tion where said arcuate sections form a closed loop extending from opposite sides of said grip members to a second position where said arcuate sections provide an opening between the freely projecting ends thereof, said means connecting said grip members for relative movement comprising a pivot pin coupling said grip members together for pivotal movement therebetween with at least one of said grip members being mounted on said pin; and

(e) means for normally maintaining said grip mem bers in said first position comprising a spring reaction between said grip members in said first position.

2. A key ring as defined in claim 1 wherein said grip members comprise open top hollow bodies, wherein one of said bodies movably interfits within the other, wherein said pivot means maintains one portion of said bodies in pivotally coupled engagement, and wherein said spring means reacts between said bodies to maintain another portion of said bodies spaced from the first-mentioned portion thereof, in spaced relation to one another.

3. A key ring is defined in claim 2 wherein each of said bodies extends from a position outside the periphery 6.0 of said loop to a position within the periphery of said loop.

4. A key ring comprising:

(a) a loop including first and second sections;

(b) grip means including first and second grip members, said first grip member being movable within said second grip member;

(c) pivot means pivotally connecting said first and second grip members together whereby said first grip member is pivotally movable within said second grip member;

(d) spring means reacting between said first and second grip members in spaced relation to said pivot means to urge said first grip member outwardly of said second grip member about said pivot means;

(c) said first section of said loop being fixed to said first grip member intermediate said pivot means and the location where said spring means reacts therewith;

(f) said second section of said loop being fixed to said second grip member in spaced relation to said pivot means; and

(g) said first and second sections of said loop having free end portions engageable with one another and disposed outwardly of said first and second grip members.

5. A key ring as defined in claim 4 wherein said grip members are wedge-shaped bodies having a bottom Wall and opposed upstanding side walls, wherein one side wall of each of said bodies has an aperture therein receiving an end of one of said sections of said loop therethrough, and wherein the other side wall of each of said bodies has a recess therein disposed to freely receive an end portion of the other of said sections of said loop when said grip members are moved about said pivot means with said first grip member moving inwardly of said second grip member.

6. A key ring as defined in claim 5 wherein the end of the section of the loop received through the aperture in the side wall of the body to which it is fixed is secured to the bottom wall of that body.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,172,915 2/1916 Stevens 24-234 1,484,532 2/ 1924 Quigley 456 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,343 1/1899 Great Britain. 264,314 1/1927 Great Britain.

JOSEPH D. SEERS, Primary Examiner. ALBERT H. KAMPE, Examiner. 

4. A KEY RING COMPRISING: (A) A LOOP INCLUDING FIRST AND SECOND SECTIONS; (B) GRIP MEANS INCLUDING A FIRST AND SECOND GRIP MEMBERS, SAID FIRST GRIP MEMBER BEING MOVABLE WITHIN SAID SECOND GRIP MEMBER; (C) PIVOT MEANS PIVOTALLY CONNECTING SAID FIRST AND SECOND GRIP MEMBERS TOGETHER WHEREBY SAID FIRST GRIP MEMBER IS PIVOTALLY MOVABLE WITHIN SAID SECOND GRIP MEMBER; (D) SPRING MEANS REACTING BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND GRIP MEMBERS IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID PIVOT MEANS TO URGE SAID FIRST GRIP MEMBER OUTWARDLY OF SAID SECOND GRIP MEMBER ABOUT SAID PIVOT MEANS; (E) SAID FIRST SECTION OF SAID LOOP BEING FIXED TO SAID FIRST GRIP MEMBER INTERMEDIATE SAID PIVOT MEANS AND THE LOCATION WHERE SAID SPRING MEANS REACTS THEREWITH; (F) SAID SECOND SECTION OF SAID LOOP BEING FIXED TO SAID SECOND GRIP MEMBER IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID PIVOT MEANS; AND (G) SAID FIRST AND SECOND SECTIONS OF SAID LOOP HAVING FREE END PORTIONS ENGAGEABLE WITH ONE ANOTHER AND DISPOSED OUTWARDLY OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND GRIP MEMBERS. 